The Heavenly Surrender by Marcia Lynn McClure Read Free Book Online Page A

never be able to keep a man like him at home,” one of the young women whispered as Genieva left the store. Genieva’s ears burned at the assuming remark. Still, she kept her eyes forward and her head high as Brevan helped her into the wagon.
    “I had no idea you were such a ladies’ man, Mr. McLean,” Genieva snapped as the wagon bolted forward. She found her anger was somehow directed at Brevan—not the young women in the store. She was angry with him for being so handsome—so entirely attractive to women—especially to herself!
    “What?” Brevan asked.
    “Who’s Amy Wilburn?” Genieva inquired.
    “Amy?” he mused. “Poor Amy. I suppose it was to be expected that Mrs. Fenton would mention the town scandal, it was. I feel sorry for the lass meself.”
    “ Who is she?” Genieva repeated, irritated.
    “She’s a young lass in town who has unfortunately found herself…in the family way. It’s unfortunate because there is no husband to her.”
    “Oh. I-I see,” Genieva gulped. It was such a sensitive subject to be discussing with a man, and she suddenly felt very uncomfortable for having asked him about Amy Wilburn.
    “And are the new boots tolerable then?” he asked.
    “Oh, yes. They’re very comfortable. Thank you for paying for them.” Genieva swallowed hard and mounted her courage. She was not one who enjoyed being left ignorant of certain facts—especially when they concerned her. Therefore she abruptly blurted, “Those other women…the ones who came into the store just before we left…they don’t think I’m capable of keeping you at home, as they put it. Are you a philanderer, Mr. McLean?”
    Instantly Brevan pulled the team to a halt. He turned to Genieva—glaring down at her with a furious expression on his handsome face.
    “I’m sorry to be so bold, sir…but I would like to know exactly where I stand and what to expect. If I’m to be the object of great ridicule and gossip, I would like to be as prepared as possible and…”
    “I should turn ya over me knee and paddle yar bum, I should!” he shouted, and Genieva knew at once she’d been too blunt. “And I see now why ya’re so interested in Amy Wilburn’s story as well! I leave ya alone for two minutes in the store, and ya come out accusin’ me of…of…” He was so angry that his face burned a fierce shade of red—his breathing labored. “The last man to accuse me of bein’ father to Amy Wilburn’s baby is still nursin’ a broken nose! Aye, I tell ya me mother’s spinnin’ in her grave over hearin’ me own wife accusin’ me of…”
    “I merely asked a question, Mr. McLean. It was a perfectly legitimate one at that. After all, I’ve no experience with you other than through letters and just these past couple of days. I just wanted to be certain…”
    Her words stopped as he reached out and firmly took hold of her chin. With his teeth tightly clenched, he growled down at her, “I’m no slimy snake, Genieva. Me parents raised me to be a good, moral man! I don’t run around after women no matter what the storekeeper’s wife says. Never have I done so, and never will I! And should me manly desires get the better of me, which they won’t, then take comfort in the knowledge that I hold fully to the scripture tellin’ a man to keep only to his wife!” He released her—pushing her chin ever so slightly as he did so.
    Genieva cleared her throat and straightened her posture once more. “Very well,” she said. “But in the future, I would ask that you please handle me with a bit less aggression.”
    She could feel the seething in him at such a reprimand and actually winced—for she thought his powerful grip would take hold of her once more. Instead, he inhaled deeply, and exhibiting great restraint, barked, “I will handle ya in whatever manner I feel is necessary, I will.”
    Unnerved slightly by a sudden odd thrill springing up within her, Genieva corrected him again. “I am not your mule, Mr. McLean. I